The writer was hosted.
Nestled in New York’s Catskill mountains, the Kartrite Resort and Waterpark makes an ideal getaway with water slides, rock climbing, hiking trails, a game room and a variety of restaurants ranging from the casual Wallbanger to the more upscale Bixby’s Derby. Take the kids or make it a romantic getaway — either works!
Fun and Luxury in the New York Catskills
When I first heard about The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, I assumed it would be somewhere like Orlando — home to innumerable waterparks. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. It turns out, this unique property is in Monticello just 70 miles north of New York City. The first of its kind in the region, the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark joins the nearby Resorts World Catskills in adding a touch of adventure to an already beautiful part of New York state.
Normally, when visiting a property like this, my grandkids would join me. My pre-teen grandsons would have bounced around from the game room to the ropes course and the rock climbing wall with boundless energy. In the waterpark, they would have mastered each of the waterslides, floated along the lazy river and made good use of the indoor pool and outdoor pool repeatedly. But they were in school in Florida so I invited my husband.
At check-in, the front desk attendant provided a detailed map of the resort property along with a pamphlet with hiking trail maps. As avid hikers visiting at the peak of the fall foliage, we immediately knew where we’d spend most of our time. But, of course, the husband would be checking out the fitness center and I would be lounging in our reserved waterpark cabana.
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark Highlights
Highlights of The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark are plentiful, but these are a few of the standouts:
- A wide variety of room styles to choose from including multi-bedroom suites for families
- Game rooms, a bowling alley, rock climbing wall and a ropes course keep the kids entertained
- Indoor waterpark with multiple waterslides, a lazy river, an indoor pool connected to the outdoor pool and cabana rentals
- Hiking trails of varying levels just outside the resort to spend time in nature
- Plentiful on-site restaurants range from the super casual Surfside Grill to the aptly-named buffet Eat. Eat. Eat. to Bixby’s Derby showcasing a delicious variety of elevated cuisine options
About the Hotel
Located at 555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY, this state of the art resort spans 430,000 square feet. It boasts 324 spacious suites ranging from 500 square-foot rooms with two sets of bunk beds to the 1,820 square-foot, three-bedroom corner suite with three full bathrooms. Some rooms include patios or balconies overlooking firepits and outdoor games on the hotel lawn.
The indoor waterpark spans two acres of waterslides, surfing and body-boarding and a lazy river. For those needing a bit of rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Or check out the yoga classes offered at the 24-hour health club. Seasonal events add to the experience. We happened to be visiting for Halloween and loved seeing kids in costumes, pumpkin carvings and fun decorations.
Free in-room internet access is available to all guests, along with concerts and live shows and a terrace. The expansive free parking lot includes charging stations for electric vehicles. It also features wheelchair-accessible parking. The property also includes an 18,000-square-foot conference area that can host up to 500 people for corporate outings and weddings, a gift shop, the Highline coffee shop and a candy store known as Pop’s Sweet Shoppe.
About the Rooms
With 14 styles, the 324 spacious suites at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark provide all the variety any family or couple could want. Although it was just the two of us, my husband and I stayed in a Family Suite with multiple beds including a king bed, sofa bed and extra beds in the form of two bunks located in a separate enclave. We also had a balcony which is always a favorite with us.
Other styles include a Junior Suite with queen beds and a sofa bed that sleeps six. For larger families, there are also two-bedroom suites with double queen beds, one king bed and a sofa bed.
All rooms feature comfort touches like premium bedding and laptop-compatible safes, as well as perks like laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning. More amenities include heating and ceiling fans; hypo-allergenic bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowtop mattresses. Other conveniences include wardrobes, separate sitting areas and mini-refrigerators. On the tech side, there are Smart TVs and free wifi. Cribs are available upon request.
Bathrooms feature rainfall showers and designer toiletries. I especially liked that the sink was located outside of the bathroom making it easier for people to share the bathroom space efficiently.
About the Food
With a variety of eateries, our stay at the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark was tasty. Your trip will be too! We started the day with a quick pick up at The Highline — named for New York City’s artful rail trail turned walkway. There I picked up a bagel, fruit and milk to fuel up for the day’s adventures to come.
Waterpark Bites
If you’re lounging by the pool come lunchtime, the Surfside Grill is the place to replace the calories you’ve used. Snack on poolside hummus and guacamole and chips. For a healthy lunch, a selection of chopped salads keeps you on track. If you just want to pretend it’s a day at the beach, bite into a cheeseburger or hot dog and some fries. Brooklyn-style pizza is always a hit. And my favorite? Make Your Own burrito bowls!
On the mezzanine level of the waterpark by the cabanas, Bar Mez serves tropical cocktails (virgin-style for the kiddos) along with the best views of the park.
Family Favorites
If you have a rapidly growing kid in the group, a buffet often provides the best way to keep that kid satisfied. Eat. Eat. Eat. presents New York’s classic big breakfast and custom omelet station accompanied by pancakes or waffles, french toast, bacon, sausage, fresh fruits, granola, a variety of cereals, pastries, bagels and more. Come dinner, you’ll find seasonal dishes, staples and an ever-changing menu of delicious entrees.
For families, Havey’s Wallbanger brings its A-game. Chow down on some wings, a burger or an elevated entree like bruschetta chicken while catching a game on one of the big-screen TVs. A small bowling alley next to the bar keeps the kids entertained. And, arcade games wait just outside.
Date Night Dining
Since we were traveling sans kids, we chose to dine at Bixby’s Derby. Quieter than most of the family favorites, dining here felt more like date night. We started with gorgonzola-stuffed fried olives served in a martini glass with a dirty martini dipping sauce. Yum!
For the main course, I tried the Drunken Chicken Parmigiana with vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil. The sizable portion turned into a leftover lunch for me the next day! My husband chose the Porcini & Truffle Ravioli with apple and sage cream and parmesan. He ate every bite and then tried to eat my leftovers.
Sweet Treats
Everyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy a tasty stop at Pop’s Sweet Shoppe. Display cases filled with chocolates and pastries encourage you to forget your healthy eating plan just for a bite or two. If frozen sweetness is your thing, ice cream awaits. While you’re at Pop’s pick up the fixings for s’mores by the firepits in the resort’s courtyard.
Amenities Galore!
Read guest reviews for the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark and you’ll find abundant options for keeping the family entertained in the 5-star category. Even though we weren’t traveling with kids, I could just imagine the excitement my grandkids would have experienced with so many things to do. The waterpark is, of course, the main attraction. Slides like the Krakken, Nor’Easter and Jiggerty-Jaggerty thrill kids of all ages. Catch a wave on the Endless Flowrider. Or float through a jungle landscape on the Empire — king of the lazy rivers. If you’re traveling with little ones, Puddle Ducks provides interactive water play.
Another highlight of the waterpark is the indoor pool that flows into a heated outdoor pool. Open year-round, you’ll stay warm even in the outdoor pool while snow covers the ground. The resort fee at The Kartrite covers all of these activities and more. Here’s a list of more delightful amenities:
- Hip Bars
- Fitness Center
- Scenic Outdoor Patio
- Grand Ballroom
- Meeting & Event Spaces
- Outdoor & Indoor Wedding Venues
- Hi-Tech Adventure Arcade
- Ropes Course
- Climbing Wall
- Laser Tag
- Mini-Bowling
- Virtual Reality
- Room Service
- Courtyard Loungers
- Cabanas available for rent
- Lounge chairs
- Select daily activities and crafts
- Wireless internet access
- Waterpark towels
- In-room coffee (Keurig K-cup)
- Electric & Tesla car charging stations
- Self-service washers & dryers
- Access to hiking trails, map and nature guidebook
- Movie nights
- Children’s waterpark life jackets
- Parking
What’s Nearby?
With its prime location in the beautiful New York Catskills, there’s plenty to see and do off property too. Couples traveling without minors might choose to slip away to the neighboring Resorts World casino to test their luck.
If you want to work on your swing, the Monster Golf Course at Resorts World will challenge your patience. You can also gamble on the horses at the Monticello Raceway. Or go back to the ’60s at the Museum at Bethel Woods, the site of the original Woodstock music festival. Check the concert schedule, if you’re going to Kartrite during the warmer months. Visiting during the holidays? Bethel Woods hosts a spectacular drive-through holiday light display.
For shoppers, a 45-mile drive to Central Valley, New York leads to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
And, of course, this is the Catskills so hiking trails are everywhere. Put on your boots and breathe in that fresh cool air! The concierge can direct you to some off-property trails to check out.
What You Should Know
Bring your credit card because The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is a cashless property. Hours of the restaurants, waterpark and even the resort vary by season. Be sure to check the current schedules before booking your trip.
Holidays mean special events which add to the fun. We visited for Halloween weekend where carved pumpkins, spooky ghosts and staff in costumes were spotted in the lobby. More holiday experiences are planned for the holiday season, New Year’s and beyond. Check out the website to see what works for you.
Final Thoughts
While a resort boasting an abundance of kids’ activities didn’t seem like the place for a couple’s getaway, it turned out to be a fabulous weekend for us. Whether you’re traveling with or without kids, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy at The Kartrite Resort. Or maybe you’ll just hang out by the firepit and roast a few s’mores!
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